For many gamers, the mere mention of The House of the Dead series evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. This classic light gun shooter franchise from Sega has been a staple in arcades and home consoles since the mid-90s, introducing countless players to the thrill of mowing down hordes of zombies with pinpoint precision.
Now, as fans eagerly await the release of The House of the Dead 2: Remake on Nintendo Switch, a growing sentiment has emerged within the community—the series is long overdue for a proper VR installment! The fast-paced, visceral gameplay and immersive environments seem tailor-made for the VR experience, yet Sega has yet to capitalize on this vast, untapped potential.
Another Rating Appears, Hinting at an Imminent Release
Megapixel Studio and Forever Entertainment first announced The House of the Dead 2: Remake in September 2019, alongside its prequel, The House of the Dead Remake. While the latter has since been released across various platforms to mixed reviews, news on the sequel’s remake has been scarce, leaving fans hanging for nearly five years now.
However, recent developments indicate that the wait may soon be over for Nintendo Switch owners. Two weeks ago, the game received a PEGI 18 rating, indicating that it contains violent imagery and is suitable for adults only.
More recently, eagle-eyed fans spotted that the game has also been rated M for Mature by the ESRB. The appearance of these ratings has led many to speculate that an official announcement and release date could be just around the corner.
Wario64 (@Wario64) was among the first to report the news on their X feed, sharing a screenshot of the ESRB rating:
We Need House of the Dead VR and We Need It Now!
While the impending release of The House of the Dead 2: Remake on Nintendo Switch is undoubtedly exciting news for fans of the series, it has also reignited debate regarding the franchise’s unfulfilled potential in virtual reality. Many fans believe that the series’ signature gameplay and atmosphere are perfectly suited for a groundbreaking VR adaptation.
One user succinctly summed up the thoughts of many in response to the ESRB rating:
Shoulda been on the Oculus quest
— Shackle (@Rusty_01_91) June 28, 2024
The fact that this series hasn’t been put to VR is a huge mystery
Another fan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing VR’s potential to revitalize the light gun shooter genre:
That is a great idea. I do think the future for target shooters like this, is VR. Definitely the best possible version and a true progression, in the genre, for both pointer accuracy and control for the player.
— Akaimizu (@akaimizu) June 28, 2024
The game’s arcade roots and straightforward gameplay make it the perfect nominee for a VR adaptation. As the related technology becomes more accessible for developers and end users alike, the demand for classic franchises like The House of the Dead to make the leap into virtual reality grows even stronger.
While the impending Nintendo Switch release is a welcome addition to the series’ legacy, fans can’t help but dream of the day they can step into the shoes of their favorite AMS agents and take on the zombie horde once more in glorious, immersive VR.
Are you excited for The House of the Dead 2: Remake on Switch? Do you think the series is a perfect fit for VR? Share your thoughts and memories of this classic franchise in the comments below!
